Toward Effective Repatriation of -Illegally Acqui~ed Assets in Nigeria

Abstract

repatriating looted state assets in foreign jurisdictions. it is the view of this article [hat
the forms of proceeding available in Nigeria to recover looted assets are inadequate. The
paper discusses successful assets recovery cases and the not so successful cases
involving Nigerian corrupt officials. it also discusses the main challenges [0 assets
recovery through criminal proceedings and highlights various approaches to assets
recovery. The paper recommends that for effective assets recovery, Nigeria must, among
others, enact forfeiture and confiscation laws that should be applied through the civil
process rather than the traditional criminal justice system. The article proposes some
strategies for assets repatriation, but with a caveat that the success of these proposals is
contingent on strong political will on the part of the Nigerian government and its ability
to constructively engage the requested state.